Heavy metals are persistent environmental pollutants with well-documented toxic, genotoxic, and bioaccumulative effects across ecosystems. This study evaluates blood cell morphology as a potential biomarker of environmental pollution in Miniopterus schreibersii (Kuhl, 1819), a migratory bat species. Individuals were captured from a contaminated site (Dardagani underground quarry) and a reference site (Mokra Megara Cave) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Environmental sampling included guano, soil, and water. Guano was analyzed for nine heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cd, Pb, Zn) to assess site-specific contamination. Distinct spatial differences in metal accumulation were observed. Elevated Cu and Mn concentrations in guano from the contaminated site indicated anthropogenic input, whereas higher Fe, Ni, and Pb at the reference site reflected natural lithogenic enrichment. Hematological and cytological examinations revealed morphological alterations in blood cells of bats from the contaminated site, including neutrophil hypersegmentation, polychromatophilia, atypical granulation, and nuclear abnormalities in lymphocytes. The total lymphocyte count differed significantly, and these qualitative changes suggest early physiological adjustments or potential indicators of sublethal toxic exposure. By integrating environmental (soil and guano) and biological (blood morphology) parameters, this study demonstrates a non-lethal and ecologically relevant approach to biomonitoring. Blood cell alterations, combined with metal analyses in guano, provide a sensitive tool for detecting potential chronic environmental stress. M. schreibersii is reaffirmed as a valuable sentinel species for ecological monitoring in karst and other vulnerable habitats; however, the limited number of high-quality blood smears obtainable under field conditions still remains a constraint to broader generalization of the findings.

A novel heterobimetallic ruthenium(II)–gold(I) complex featuring a bridging bis(diphenylphosphino)butane (dppb) ligand was prepared and fully characterized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed a piano-stool geometry around Ru(II) with η6-cymene, two chlorido ligands, and one phosphorus atom from dppb, while the Au(I) center adopts a linear P–Au–Cl coordination. Structural integrity in the solution was confirmed by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, while solution behavior was further monitored by variable solvent 31P NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, indicating that the organometallic Ru–arene core remains intact, whereas the chlorido ligands coordinated to Ru exhibit partial lability. Complementary characterization included elemental analysis, FTIR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Spectrofluorimetric and FRET analyses showed that Au(dppb), Ru(dppb), and the heterobimetallic AuRu complex bind to BSA with apparent constants of 1.41 × 105, 5.12 × 102, and 2.66 × 104 M−1, respectively, following a static quenching mechanism. In vivo biological evaluation in Wistar rats revealed no significant hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity, with only mild and reversible histological alterations and preserved hepatocyte nuclear morphology. Hematological analysis indicated a statistically significant reduction in leukocyte populations, suggesting immunomodulatory potential, while elevated serum glucose levels point to possible endocrine or metabolic activity. These findings highlight compound structural stability and intriguing bioactivity profile, making it a promising platform for further organometallic drug development and testing.

Summary The rapid rise of 3D printing, both in industrial and home settings, presents emerging health and environmental risks. While 3D printing enhances sustainability by reducing waste and optimizing resource use, its impact on human health remains poorly understood. The use of metals and polymers linked to health risks, coupled with the release of inhalable particles and volatile organic compounds, raises concerns about respiratory and systemic effects. The absence of clear guidelines creates high public demand for information and limits safe implementation, particularly in schools and homes where millions of 3D printers are expected by 2030. Additionally, improper disposal of 3D printing polymer materials may exacerbate plastic pollution. This article proposes the perspective of a structured risk assessment framework set on particle emissions from industrial 3D printing. It will offer a practical tool to bridge current knowledge gaps and to inform safe practice and policy development, because immediate action is necessary to balance innovation with safety.

The environmental fragmentation of plastics generates a mixture of plastic particles of various sizes, which frequently co-occur with other mobile and persistent environmental pollutants. Despite the prevalence of such scenarios, the interaction between micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and their combined effects with environmental pollutants, such as highly toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), remain almost entirely unexplored in mammalian species. This study demonstrated that nanoplastic and microplastic particles co-aggregate and together influence Cr bioaccumulation patterns and related physiological alterations in rats. Following a four-week repeated intragastric exposure of Wistar rats to MNPs and Cr(VI), either alone or in combination, MNPs significantly enhanced Cr bioaccumulation in the liver, heart, brain, and skin. Under co-exposure conditions, Cr(VI) was the primary driver of cellular effects observed in the blood, including shifts in immune cell subpopulations (e.g., neutrophils, lymphocytes) and alterations in red blood cell indices, while serum biochemistry reflected limited physiological stress. MNPs per se decreased creatine kinase activity and increased cholesterol levels. In summary, polystyrene MNPs increase Cr(VI) distribution and bioavailability, but co-exposure does not uniformly exacerbate toxicity. Instead, their interaction may selectively alter physiological responses, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of their combined effects and potential health risks.

Background/Aim. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that can cause destructive joint disease and progressive disability. The diagnosis of RA is based on laboratory and clinical evidence, which includes the analysis of inflammatory markers, hematological, and biochemical parameters. Methods. Fifty patients diagnosed with RA without methotrexate (MTX) therapy and 50 patients with therapy (MTX, 7.5 mg/week; after three months prednisolone 10 mg/day) were included in this study. After six months of therapy, inflammatory biomarkers, hematological, and biochemical parameters were analyzed. Results. Inflammatory biomarkers: sedimentation rate (SE), C-reactive protein (CRP), and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) are significantly lower in the group of patients on therapy compared to patients without MTX therapy. Significant differences were not found for the rheumatoid factor (RF). Significant differences were not found for hematological parameters between the compared groups. Analysis of serum biochemical parameters showed significant differences for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and iron values. In patients without MTX therapy, the incidence of anemia was recorded in 68%, which is significantly higher than the incidence of 32% in patients with therapy. Conclusion. Prescribed therapy has shown effectiveness in the treatment of RA and reduction of the inflammatory process. The success of the treatment depends on the timely diagnosis of RA. Postponement of therapy and late-detected disease prolongs therapy treatment and often requires a combination of several drugs.

Abstract CCl4 causes oxidative injury, fatty degeneration, fibrosis of the liver, renal failure, and even hepatocellular and renal carcinoma. Certain substances have the potential to neutralize the harmful effects of CCl4, so it will lead to numerous beneficial effects. Melatonin (MEL) is a powerful antioxidant that regulates circadian rhythm and has beneficial effects on organism; tryptophan (TRP) is its precursor necessary for the synthesis of MEL. The aim of the current study was to determine whether MEL and TRP, have protective effects during subchronic application of CCl4 to the liver and kidneys. Results suggest that CCl4 led to decrease of total proteins, albumins, globulins, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit; and increase of creatinine, AST, ALT values, and leukocytes. MEL and TRP both showing protective effects on regulation of serum proteins, albumins, globulins, A/G, AST, ALT, and creatinine levels. TRP had been shown to have potential in regulation of disbalanced hematological parameters caused by CCl4. TRP had beneficial effects on hepatocyte morphology in term of beaded chromatin and preserved cell morphology. Overall, oral supplementation of TRP had better protective effects on liver/kidneys compared to MEL.

Abstract Chromium (Cr) toxicity, even at low concentrations, poses a significant health threat to various environmental species. Cr is found in the environment in two oxidation states that differ in their bioavailability and toxicity. While Cr(III) is essential for glucose metabolism, the oxyanion chromate Cr(VI) is mostly of anthropogenic origin, toxic, and carcinogenic. The sources of Cr in the environment are multiple, including geochemical processes, disposal of industrial waste, and industrial wastewater. Cr pollution may consequently impact the health of numerous plant and animal species. Despite that, the number of published studies on Cr toxicity across environmental species remained mainly unchanged over the past two decades. The presence of Cr in the environment affects several plant physiological processes, including germination or photosynthesis, and consequently impacts growth, and lowers agricultural production and quality. Recent research has also reported the toxic effects of Cr in different aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Whereas some species showed sensitivity, others exhibited tolerance. Hence, this review discusses the understanding of the ecotoxicological effect of Cr on different plant and animal groups and serves as a concise source of consolidated information and a valuable reference for researchers and policymakers in an understanding of Cr toxicity. Future directions should focus on expanding research efforts to understand the mechanisms underlying species-specific responses to Cr pollution. Graphical Abstract

The presence of microplastics (MPs) is increasing at a dramatic rate globally, posing risks for exposure and subsequent potential adverse effects on human health. Apart from being physical objects, MP particles contain thousands of plastic-associated chemicals (i.e., monomers, chemical additives, and non-intentionally added substances) captured within the polymer matrix. These chemicals are often migrating from MPs and can be found in various environmental matrices and human food chains; increasing the risks for exposure and health effects. In addition to the physical and chemical attributes of MPs, plastic surfaces effectively bind exogenous chemicals, including environmental pollutants (e.g., heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants). Therefore, MPs can act as vectors of environmental pollution across air, drinking water, and food, further amplifying health risks posed by MP exposure. Critically, fragmentation of plastics in the environment increases the risk for interactions with cells, increases the presence of available surfaces to leach plastic-associated chemicals, and adsorb and transfer environmental pollutants. Hence, this review proposes the so-called triple exposure nexus approach to comprehensively map existing knowledge on interconnected health effects of MP particles, plastic-associated chemicals, and environmental pollutants. Based on the available data, there is a large knowledge gap in regard to the interactions and cumulative health effects of the triple exposure nexus. Each component of the triple nexus is known to induce genotoxicity, inflammation, and endocrine disruption, but knowledge about long-term and inter-individual health effects is lacking. Furthermore, MPs are not readily excreted from organisms after ingestion and they have been found accumulated in human blood, cardiac tissue, placenta, etc. Even though the number of studies on MPs-associated health impacts is increasing rapidly, this review underscores that there is a pressing necessity to achieve an integrated assessment of MPs' effects on human health in order to address existing and future knowledge gaps.